The centre will be constructed at Agudi cell, Angai ward in Kangai Town council, the place where Omukama Kabalega and Kabaka Mwanga Mwanga II of Buganda were arrested by the British colonialists in 1899 while in battle.
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and
Antiquities has commenced the construction of Dokolo Heritage Centre in Dokolo
district. The construction work is being undertaken by Rohi Services Ltd, for 15 billion shillings.
The centre will be constructed at Agudi cell, Angai ward in Kangai Town
council, the place where Omukama Kabalega and Kabaka Mwanga Mwanga II of
Buganda were arrested by the British colonialists in 1899 while in battle. The
two leaders had hidden in the area for years before they were captured.
The development of this site dates back to 1972 when then-President Idi Amin visited the area and ordered for construction of two
monuments in memory of the captured Kings. Since then, community members
surrounding the site have been managing it, awaiting further development by the
government.
In 2021, the plan to establish a tourism site in Kangai was
disclosed by the then Minister for Tourism Ephraim Kamuntu.
On Friday, Martin Bahinduka Mugarra, the Minister of State launched the
construction. Bahinduka explained that the project will be carried out in
two phases. He called on local leaders to monitor the project to ensure quality
work.
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He interested the community in record keeping and investing
in the tourism sector to boost such tourism developments.
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Jackline Nyiracyiza Besigye, commissioner of museums and
monuments explained that as the construction is ongoing, efforts are underway
to return some of the cultural artefacts which are currently spread across
different museums in Europe.
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Felix Okot Ogong, the Dokolo North MP and Sarah Aguti, District Woman MP applauded the government for starting the
work saying upon completion, it will boost both revenue for the government and improve the livelihood of the communities around.
Voxpop by MPs:
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Okot implored the government to consider recognizing Lango
chiefs who fought hard to protect the two kings for a long time before their
arrest.
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Some local leaders raised issues of compensation for the local
market which was on the land on which the centre sits, but Bahinduka argued that the centre is bringing better development
compared to the market but promised to take the issue up for discussions.
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However, Albert Ejam, a resident of Agudi cell described the
construction launch as a dream come true.
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As part of the development, the government declared the Dokolo-
Ochero- Namasale Road to be a tourism road although currently, motorists have
abandoned it due to its poor state.
Plans are underway to have it tarmarked to
enhance accessibility to the site.
